1985 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP) has 79 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Escort weights approximately 205 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1988 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
